LORD 156 Series Multiplane Mounts: Advanced Vibration Control for Critical Aerospace Applications

Key Points

Engineering teams need to understand several crucial aspects when considering the 156 Series mounts:

• The LORD 156 Series provides load ratings from 3-8 lbs per mount with natural frequencies around 10 Hz 
• These mounts deliver equal stiffness in both axial and radial directions for true multiplane isolation 
• The mounts use LORD's proprietary BTR elastomer, providing consistent performance from -65°F to +300°F 
• Integration requires minimal space while offering superior protection compared to traditional isolators 
• Standard configurations allow for easy specification and rapid deployment

When designing aerospace and defense systems, engineers face the critical challenge of protecting sensitive equipment from damaging vibration and shock. The LORD 156 Series Multiplane Mounts provide an innovative solution by offering high-performance vibration isolation in a compact, versatile package.

Design Features and Benefits

The 156 Series builds on decades of aerospace vibration control expertise to deliver several key advantages for modern applications. The unique design incorporates multiple innovative elements that work together to provide superior isolation.

The mounts feature a fully-bonded, fail-safe construction that maintains equipment attachment even in the unlikely event of elastomer failure. Their symmetrical design delivers equal spring rates in all directions, allowing for simplified integration planning. The BTR elastomer material provides excellent damping characteristics while maintaining consistent performance across extreme temperature ranges.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the precise capabilities of these mounts helps engineers properly specify them for their applications. Here are the key performance characteristics:

• Static load range: 3-8 lbs (1.4-3.6 kg) per mount 
• Natural frequency: 10 Hz at rated load 
• Dynamic spring rates: 30-80 lb/in axial and radial 
• Temperature range: -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) 
• Available in both BTR and BTR II elastomer options 
• Excellent damping with transmissibility under 4 at resonance

Overview of the 156 Series Mount Family

The LORD 156 Series represents a comprehensive line of multiplane vibration isolation mounts engineered specifically for aerospace and defense applications. This series stands out for its ability to provide equal stiffness in both axial and radial directions while maintaining consistent performance across extreme temperature ranges.

The family consists of four standard configurations, each designed to handle different load requirements while maintaining the same core performance characteristics. Every mount in the series features LORD's proprietary BTR elastomer technology and aerospace-grade aluminum components, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.

Each mount in the series shares several key characteristics that make them ideal for aerospace applications. All variants operate effectively across temperatures from -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C), provide excellent damping with transmissibility under 4 at resonance, and feature a fail-safe design that maintains equipment attachment even under extreme conditions. 

The consistent 10 Hz natural frequency across the series simplifies system design and analysis, while the equal axial and radial spring rates enable true multiplane isolation performance.

Related: Read our Guide to Parker LORD Vibration Isolation Mounts.

Understanding BTR Elastomer Options

The 156 Series mounts are available with two distinct BTR (Broad Temperature Range) elastomer options, each offering specific performance characteristics. 

The standard BTR elastomer provides excellent damping with a loss factor of approximately 0.32, making it ideal for applications requiring maximum vibration control. BTR II elastomer, while offering slightly less damping with a loss factor around 0.18, provides better returnability, less drift, and improved stability with temperature. 

This makes BTR II particularly valuable in applications where precise equipment positioning is critical. Both materials maintain their performance characteristics across extreme temperatures, with BTR operating from -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) and BTR II ranging from -40°F to +300°F (-40°C to +149°C).

Applications and Use Cases

The 156 Series excels in protecting sensitive aerospace and defense equipment. Let's examine some common implementation scenarios.

These mounts are frequently specified for:

• Navigation systems and avionics equipment 
• Electronic control units and flight computers 
• Communication equipment 
• Radar and sensor packages 
• Instrumentation systems

The consistent performance across temperature extremes makes them especially valuable for equipment exposed to varied environmental conditions during operation.

Installation Considerations

Proper installation is critical for achieving optimal performance from the 156 Series mounts. Engineers should consider several key factors during integration planning.

Important installation factors include:

• Mount orientation and load direction 
• Proper torque specifications for attachments 
• Available installation space and clearance requirements 
• Environmental exposure and protection needs 
• System natural frequency requirements 
• Equipment center of gravity location

Performance Testing and Validation

The 156 Series undergoes rigorous testing to verify performance across its operating range. These tests help ensure reliable operation in demanding aerospace applications.

Testing protocols include:

• Load deflection characteristics 
• Temperature cycling performance 
• Vibration transmissibility measurements 
• Fatigue and endurance testing 
• Environmental exposure validation 
• Shock response verification

Final Thoughts

The LORD 156 Series Multiplane Mounts represent a proven solution for aerospace vibration control challenges. Their combination of consistent performance, compact size, and robust construction makes them an excellent choice for protecting critical equipment. When properly specified and installed, these mounts provide reliable isolation that helps ensure system reliability and longevity.

Working with Modus Advanced for Aerospace and Defense Applications

Aerospace and defense projects that include vibration isolation components often require careful consideration of the entire system, including the housing and mounting structure. Modus Advanced brings particular expertise to these applications through our comprehensive approach to aerospace and defense projects.

Engineering-First Approach

Modus Advanced's engineering team, comprising over 10% of our staff, provides comprehensive technical support across all aspects of aerospace and defense projects. Our engineers work directly with customers from initial design through production, offering expertise in materials science, manufacturing processes, and system-level optimization. 

This engineering-first mindset enables us to assist with critical decisions about material selection, manufacturing methods, and design optimization that can significantly impact project success.

When working with aerospace and defense customers, our engineering team provides invaluable insights into design for manufacturability, helping to identify potential issues before they become costly problems. 

We understand the complex requirements of aerospace and defense applications, from material compatibility and environmental considerations to quality control and documentation requirements. This deep technical knowledge, combined with our practical manufacturing experience, helps ensure that designs move smoothly from concept to production while meeting all necessary specifications and standards.

Vertical Integration Benefits

When developing complex aerospace and defense components, traditional manufacturing approaches often require coordinating with multiple vendors for different processes, leading to extended lead times, increased shipping costs, and greater risk of quality issues or delays. 

Modus Advanced's vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities eliminate these challenges by bringing critical processes under one roof, allowing us to maintain strict quality control while significantly reducing both production time and cost. This integration means customers can work with a single point of contact while having confidence that their components will meet specifications across all aspects of manufacturing.

Modus Advanced's vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities provide significant advantages for aerospace and defense projects:

• Complete in-house manufacture of housings and mounting systems
• Form-in-place gasket dispensing for environmental sealing
• EMI shielding integration
• Thermal management solutions
• Quality control across all manufacturing processes

This integration reduces lead times and ensures consistent quality across all components.

Quality and Security Standards

Our commitment to aerospace and defense requirements is demonstrated through our comprehensive certifications and standards:

• AS9100 certification
• ITAR registration
• ISO 9001 certification
• Working toward CMMC Level 2
• Strict quality control processes

These certifications ensure we meet the exacting standards required for aerospace and defense applications.

Partnership Approach

Rather than operating as a traditional supplier, Modus Advanced functions as a strategic partner in our customers' success. We engage early in the design process, providing technical insights and manufacturing expertise that help optimize designs for both performance and producibility. This collaborative approach often leads to significant improvements in design efficiency, reduced manufacturing costs, and accelerated time to market.

Our commitment to partnership extends throughout the entire project lifecycle, with ongoing support for quality improvement, process optimization, and problem resolution. We understand that aerospace and defense projects often evolve over time, and we maintain the flexibility to adapt our support as requirements change. This long-term perspective helps build lasting relationships that continue to deliver value for both parties.